The presidential office clearly stated its position in response to the U.S. mentioning the possibility of 'opening the rice market' on the 1st.

Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong emphasized in a briefing that "there will be no increase in the level of opening."

In the briefing, Kang stressed, "We believe that 99.7% of the agricultural and livestock market is already open, and we have no intention of further opening the remaining 0.3%."

The presidential office also addressed the U.S. comments.

Kang stated, "There may be changes to make the inspection or quarantine processes easier for specific items, but overall, there will be no additional quantity that is opened."

She added, "It seems that there might have been some misunderstanding on the part of the U.S."

Reaffirming the intention to protect the agricultural and livestock market, some room for detailed negotiations remains.

In response to questions regarding the possibility of expanding access through relaxed quarantine measures, Kang acknowledged, "There are still areas where specific items can be adjusted and negotiated," while reiterating, "We will not widen the opening for rice or agricultural products."

She further remarked, "It can be said that there were differences in understanding between Korea and the U.S. regarding detailed requirements."

Image source: Kang Yu-jeong, Spokesperson for the presidential office / News1, Materials for understanding the article / News1